I Capture the Castle (Chivers Sound Library)

Dodie Smith

ISBN 10: 0754006441 ISBN 13: 9780754006442

Publisher: Sterling Audio Books, 2001

Synopsis

The 1934 journal of seventeen-year-old Cassandra Mortmain reveals her perspective on six stormy months in the eccentric and poverty-stricken life of her family in a ruined Suffolk castle, ending with the revelation that Cassandra is deeply in love.

About this title

About the Author

Dodie (Dorothy) Smith was born in 1896 in Northern England. Although she studied drama, she turned her talents to writing, successfully submitting a screenplay to a silent movie company and writing the script for Autumn Crocus, which opened in 1931 to rave reviews. In 1934, Dodie's husband Alec brought home a Dalmatian puppy named Pongo, a gift that would eventually inspire her to write on of the greatest works of literature today.

Reviews

First published in 1949, this novel, written as a journal, "captures" the bohemian life of the Mortmain family as they live in their crumbling castle. Funny enough to make the listener chuckle and skillful enough to touch on many of life's sadnesses and truths, journalist Cassandra Mortmain grows up as she records her life, reaching adulthood with a good dollop of wisdom. Jenny Agutter reads with sensitivity and an appropriately light touch. Her American accents are predictably rolling in "r's." But the story is so moving that this small imperfection doesn't alter one's enjoyment. It's almost as if we're hearing Cassandra read her own thoughts with her own accent. This is a wonderful novel for young adults as it describes first love, but even old jaded folks should listen and be enthralled. B.H.B. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Edition details

• Publisher: Sterling Audio Books
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0754006441
• ISBN 13: 9780754006442
• Binding: Audio Cassette